Lewis Hamilton can still beat Nico Rosberg to the title because he "needs the enemy" to win, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has insisted, despite the world champion's erratic performance in Japan.
The championship battle is now out of Hamilton's hands after he finished third in Suzuka on Sunday, while a dominant Rosberg charged to his ninth victory of the campaign.
With only 100 points available from the final four races, Hamilton faces a seemingly improbable task of clawing back the 33-point deficit to Rosberg.
Indeed Mercedes' non-executive chairman Niki Lauda believes the Briton will... read more

Related news

Lewis Hamilton can still beat Nico Rosberg to the title because he "needs the enemy" to win, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has insisted, despite the world champion's erratic performance in Japan.
The championship battle is now out of Hamilton's...

Lewis Hamilton has belatedly congratulated Formula One rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg on his 'well deserved' maiden world championship.
In an enthralling finale to the season at the weekend, Rosberg pipped Britain's three-time world...

Nico Rosberg says it is time to 'drop the whole discussion' about Lewis Hamilton's tactics in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and insists he respects his Mercedes team-mate.
German driver Rosberg crossed the line in second place at the Yas...

Mercedes are considering Fernando Alonso as a replacement for retiring world champion Nico Rosberg.
But two-time championship winner Alonso is about to enter the final year of his three-year deal with McLaren, meaning Mercedes may have to look...

Despite facing arguably the most challenging race in his career, Lewis Hamilton appeared relaxed as he accompanied friends and family for a session of Topgolf in Chigwell, Essex.
The reigning F1 champion's bid to retain his title is out of his hands...

Mercedes bosses Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe have both admitted that Lewis Hamilton could be punished for ignoring the team radio during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
His efforts to back team-mate Nico Rosberg into the chasing pack were in vain though and...